Licensing Guides
Alabama Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Alabama
Septic, AL
April 15th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
Almost 50% of those living in the state of Alabama use a septic tank system to dispose of household sewage, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
Alabama employs 390 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide, according to the BLS.
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2023 to 2033, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Alabama, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is higher at 11% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Alabama?
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB) examines, licenses, and regulates those engaged in the manufacture, installation, or servicing of onsite wastewater systems.
The state requires licenses for those who work in the onsite wastewater industry as a pumper, installer, and portable restroom operator, and for those who manufacture septic tanks. The person who is in charge of the company holds the license, according to the AOWB.
The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Division of Community Environmental Protection establishes and enforces the requirements for design, permitting, installation, approval, and use of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. The division’s Soil and Onsite Sewage branch coordinates the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.
Alabama Code Title 34 Chapter 21A and Alabama Administrative Code Title 628 sets out regulations for onsite sewage systems. These rules ensure the proper manufacture, installation, service, cleaning, and maintenance of onsite sewage equipment and treatment systems to protect the environment and public health.
Types of Septic Licenses in Alabama
Septic installers and pumpers must be licensed in Alabama. While the license application process is similar, each license has different work experience requirements.
Basic Level Installer
A Basic Level Installer License is for the installation, servicing, replacing lids, repairing, or maintenance of a conventional onsite wastewater system and shallow placement onsite wastewater systems with design flows of up to 1,800 gallons per day (GPD). These systems may include a pump that lifts the effluent to the disposal field, and the pump must be basic on-demand pumps with no control panels.
To be eligible to take the training and exam for this license, applicants must have a minimum of one year of work experience as a basic installer. The board waives this work experience requirement if the applicant has one year of work experience as a pumper, portable toilet operator, or manufacturer.
Advanced Level I Installer
An Advanced Level I Installer License allows all the work performed under a Basic Level Installer License, all systems up to 1,800 GPD, and the installation, servicing, repairing, or maintenance of mound systems, simplex pumps with timed dosing requirements, and on-demand duplex pumps, which include single-family systems with secondary treatment.
To be eligible for this license, the applicant must have held the Basic Level Installer license for a minimum of two years, completed at least five conventional onsite sewage systems, and completed the required education.
Advanced Level II Installer License
An Advanced Level II Installer License allows all the work performed under the Basic and Advanced Level I Installers licenses and for the installation, servicing, replacing lids, repairing, or maintaining all systems 1,801 GPD and above, including multiple pump systems with timed dosing requirements and other advanced technology systems.
To be eligible for this license, applicants must have held the Advanced Level 1 Installer license for a minimum of two years, completed five engineered systems, and completed the required education.
Pumper License
A pumper’s license is issued for those pumping, servicing, replacing lids, repairing, replacing or maintaining the component parts of a septic tank, sewage tanks, and grease traps.
To be eligible for this license, the applicant must have six months of work experience as a pumper. The board waives this work experience requirement for those who have held a Basic Level Installer License for six months.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Alabama
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board provides all the information about obtaining a basic installer or pumper license on its eligibility requirements and application PDF. It also includes all the information about obtaining a Level I or II installer license on its eligibility for Level I and II installers PDF.
To obtain a Basic Level Installer License, follow these steps.
Complete a minimum of one year of work experience as a basic installer.
Download and complete the eligibility application.
If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, the board sends notice to attend initial license training and provides a list of approved sponsors for education.
Complete a testing application and pay the $150 testing fee by check or money order, payable to the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
The board notifies applicants of the testing date and location. Once the applicant takes the exam, they are notified within 10 working days whether they passed the exam.
Submit a license application, U.S. citizenship form or non U.S. citizenship form, and a $15,000 surety bond form.
Pay the $50 application and processing fee and the $300 license fee.
Renew the license annually.
Applicants may find all forms on the AOWB’s form page and find answers to commonly asked questions on the FAQ page.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Alabama?
To obtain an installer or pumper license, it costs between $500 to $850, depending on the license level. Fees include a $50 application fee, an exam fee, and licensure fee.
Annual license fees are as follows:
Basic Level Installer License or Pumper License: $300
Advanced Level I Installer License: $400
Advanced Level II Installer License: $600
Those holding a license in more than one category must pay the fee for the most advanced license, and pay an additional $100 fee for other categories.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic operator license, no matter where technicians are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Alabama?
Getting an initial installer or pumper license can be accomplished fairly quickly once the applicant meets minimum work experience requirements. The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board offers exams three to four times during the year.
Those seeking a Basic Level Installer License must have at least one year minimum work experience. Those seeking Advanced Level I and II Installer licenses must have at least two years of licensed experience, along with the completion of at least five septic systems.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Alabama Septic Training Programs and Schools
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board approves specific classes and programs for training and continuing education. For details on approved courses, visit the AOWB continuing education page.
Alabama Septic Licensing Exam Details
To take a licensing exam, an applicant must first meet license eligibility requirements. If approved, the applicant submits an application for testing and pays an exam fee. The AOWB informs applicants of the testing date and location.
Exam fees are as follows:
Basic installer exam fee: $150
Advanced Level I and II exam fee: $200
Pumper exam fee: $150
The board provides exams several times throughout the year and lists exam dates on its testing page.
Do I Need to Renew My Alabama Septic License?
Yes. Licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal season begins on October 1 of each year. The AOWB recommends online license renewal, or license holders may contact the AOWB to request a renewal application.
Those renewing licenses must show evidence of the required surety bond and meet continuing education requirements before December 31 of each year.
License fees are as follows:
Basic Level Installer License or Pumper License: $300
Advanced Level I Installer License: $400
Advanced Level II Installer License: $600
Those who do not renew by January 1 must pay a $100 late fee.
Does Alabama Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, Alabama does have reciprocity agreements with other states for septic installer and pumper licenses. Septic installers and pumpers must meet eligibility requirements and apply to the AOWB for a license.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but add to your marketability by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about septic system disposal, wastewater management, and groundwater protection through other governmental agencies and industry associations in Alabama. This includes:
Continuing Education
Alabama requires continuing education for installer and pumper licenses before license renewal.
Continuing education requirements include:
Basic Level Installer License: Complete six approved continuing education credit hours annually.
Advanced Level I Installer License: Complete eight approved continuing education credit hours annually.
Advanced Level II Installer License: Complete 10 approved continuing education credit hours annually.
Pumper License: Complete six approved continuing education credit hours annually.
The board lists approved courses from the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association and the University of West Alabama on its continuing education page.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Alabama, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
